SILVER SUGAR SKULL NECKLACE

• Sterling silver oxidized stamped  .76"H x .50"L skull pendant
  
• Wire-wrapped turquoise approx. 6x4mm from Kingman mine, AZ & 4.45x2.5mm red coral
  
• Sterling silver .6mm cable chain with spring clasp measures 16" to 18" in length
  

I’ve always been a texture gal and get so excited when I observe beauty in nature. I think about ways of reproducing these textures, sometimes spending hours in my studio. My husband and mentor have helped me with the transformation process. I use lots of different tools to stamp and grind the metal for different textures and patterns and then I sometimes oxidize or patina each piece. Enjoy!

~Audrey Hoffman

Taking care of your jewelry:  This piece of sterling silver jewelry is oxidized high polished and not sealed. It will naturally patina over time which gives it a duller sheen.  If you want more of the high polished look we recommend our Jewelry Polishing Cloth in accessories.

TURQUOISE

Turquoise is an opaque, blue-to-green mineral that is a hydrated phosphate of copper and aluminum, It is rare and valuable in finer grades and has been prized as a gemstone and ornamental stone for thousands of years owing to its unique hue. Although much turquoise jewelry is sleek and modern, many US consumers are familiar with the traditional jewelry of Native American peoples such as the Pueblo, Hopi, Zuni, and Navajo. People interested in Native American arts and crafts frequently collect this stylized silver jewelry.

HEALING PROPERTIES

Turquoise improves the mental state overall by increasing all of the following positive mental characteristics: serenity, creativity, empathy, positive thinking, sensitivity, intuition, happiness wisdom all of which result in a calmer state that leads to greater self-realization.

WHERE IT’S FOUND

Turquoise is found in its natural state in places with dry climates around the world. It is mined in the U.S., Mexico, Iran, Chile, China, and Tibet. While the characteristics of each stone are very similar, different mines produce slight variations of turquoise.

CORAL

While technically not a gemstone by definitely, gorgeous, earthy coral is one of the most popular gemstones in jewelry.  Along with its sea sister, Pearl, Coral is comprised mostly of Calcium.  Nonetheless, Coral (and Red Coral, specifically) possesses some absolutely incredible healing properties . Coral evokes passion, romance and strength.  It is a gemstone that symbolizes joy, prosperity, protection and abundance.  Wearing Coral aids in the ability to understand the purpose of things, while encouraging creativity. 

HEALING PROPERTIES

Coral stimulates the base chakra,  and helps to focus energy on the pursuit of goals.  This stone protects from depression and despondency, while helping to diminish compulsive behaviors. Coral boosts leadership qualities, aiding determination and seeing projects through to completion. It clears feelings of resentment and frustration.  Wearing this gem is also used to bring luck and pleasant dreams.

WHERE IT’S FROM

Habitat. Red corals grow on rocky sea bottom with low sedimentation, typically in dark environments—either in the depths or in dark caverns or crevices. The original species, C. rub rum (formerly Gorgonia nobilis), is found mainly in the Mediterranean Sea